dachshunds

Book Review: Hounded- The Lowdown on Life from Three Dachshunds by Matt Ziselman

Posted by Barbara Techel

hounded

I didn’t want this book to end. What a delightful, honest, sincere, loving book! My poor husband had to endure endless shaking of the bed as I chuckled reading the many antics of Baxter, Maya, and Molly.

As I was nearing the end of the book I really began to wonder if author Matt Ziselman may have been a Dachshund in a former life because his accounts of what this breed is all about are so right on!  But I especially related to, and enjoyed, the lessons he has learned (and continues to learn) from his loving trio of short-legged dogs.

As much as these weensters can also frustrate their human friends, I was brought to tears when Matt talks about all three draped on him as he tries to write the final chapter of the book. With Maya pinning down his right arm he says, “I want them to stay right where they are…I will have free and full movement of my right arm, and my heart will not feel as full and warm as it does right now. I want my friends to stay.”

This is a must read for every Dachshund owner out there, or I should really say, for every person that is owned by a Dachshund. But it is also a must read for anyone struggling with challenges, and let’s face it we all are. But seeing life through the eyes of our four legged friends is a refreshing and encouraging way to just get on with life with a little humor and learning to live in the moment.

Learn more about Hounded on their Facebook page, Twitter, website, or order a copy today from Amazon!

The Fishing and Shopping Dachshund Named Olive

Posted by Barbara Techel

olive oneOlive and her mom, Jill were one of the first people that became my friends via my website, books and Facebook when I began my work with Frankie many years ago.  Olive has IVDD and though she has a dog wheelchair, she’d rather not use it these days.

Jill keeps me updated on Olive and I really do feel like Olive is part of my family too. I’ve come to love her so much.

She is now over 14-years old, and though her health is not the best, Jill and her husband, Eric enjoy every minute they can with her. She is one lucky dog!

Here she is fishing and below she got to go shopping at Lowe’s. The love and devotion Jill and Eric have given this sweet girl is so beautiful. I’m so proud and happy to call all of them friends.

olive 2

Finding Joy When Frustrated

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_1533Late yesterday afternoon I was feeling frustrated. I had to upgrade my Quickbooks program . Me and numbers, and administrative things don’t always get along well. I try to play nice, but sometimes it gets the best of me.

I thought I did what I needed to do so everything would run smoothly with the update. But  I lost part of the data when I did the upgrade. I was so frustrated. This now means I have to go back through four months of paperwork and re-enter it.

Just then I heard birds fluttering in the bird bath outside my writing cottage screen door. I looked up to see Joie also intrigued with the sound. My heart melted. One second I was holding my breath in stress. The next moment I let my breath out and smiled. All will always be right with the world if you find small moments of joy. Joie was my reminder.